Montessori Primary Diploma

"Education between the ages of six and twelve is not a direct continuation of what has gone before, although it is built upon that foundation." Maria Montessori

The Montessori Primary Course is an exciting new course covering the development and education of the child from 6 - 9 years. It is mainly designed for Montessori teachers who already hold a Montessori qualification for the 2 2.5 - 6 year age range and who wish to extend their knowledge and understanding of what is involved in work with children in the older age-range.

What are the Entry Qualifications?

One of the following is normally required:

  • An Ofsted-recognised Montessori Early Childhood Diploma (or Pre-Primary) Certificate or Diploma in the 2.5 - 6 year old age range.
  • Full attendance at an approved Montessori course for the 2.5 - 6 year old age range, or previous teaching experience (for a minimum of 3 years) in a fully Montessori setting, plus submission of written assignments.
  • Qualified teacher status with the DfES, plus two additional bridging modules taken during the course.

How is the Course Structured?

The taught part of the course takes place on one a month over 18 months and covers both the Montessori curriculum and the U.K. National Curriculum for the age range. As well as attendance at the centre, it is essential for students to have access to the internet for essential activities and research.

There will be an assessed teaching practice throughout the course. Those who are already working in a Montessori school with children in the 6 - 9 age range will be encouraged to complete it in their own school, provided the school has adequate Montessori materials and adheres to the Montessori approach.

After the teaching practice is completed a course for the 9 - 12 years diploma is available.

What does the Course cover?

  • The Great Lessons - Background to the five Great Lessons; why they are central to the Montessori approach; detailed instructions on their preparation and use; mapping the National Curriculum for History.
  • Advanced Life Skills - Explanation of their role in the classroom; ground rules; manual dexterity, design & construction; care of self, health & hygiene; care of the environment; grace, courtesy & citizenship; Peace Education; mapping the national Curriculum for Design & Technology; mapping the National Curriculum for Personal, Social and Health Education, and Citizenship .
  • Mathematics 1 - Number - Developing the child's facility with numbers and basic operations; more advanced methods of calculation; fractions.
  • The Child, the Environment and the Teacher - Child development 6-9 years; changes as the child moves into the second plane of development; structuring a Montessori classroom; the new role of the teacher.
  • English Language 1 - Consolidation of reading skills; cursive writing; creative writing; the use of grammar symbols and command cards.
  • Science 1 - Life Sciences - The 'sixth' Great Lesson; basic physiology; classification; habitats; life-cycles.
  • Creative Work - Creativity in the Montessori philosophy; art appreciation; drawing skills; creative wrtiting; drama activities; developing musicality; lives of great composers and their music; mapping to the National Curriculum for Music; mapping to the National Curriculum for Art and Design.
  • English Language 2 - Developing more advanced and fluent skills of understanding and expression; mapping the National Curriculum for English.
  • Mathematics 2 - Shape - Introduction to Geometry; developing the children's understanding of shape and space; measurement; mapping the National Curriculum for Mathematics.
  • Planet Earth - The structure of the Earth; geophysical forms; patterns of settlement; specific localities; mapping the National Curriculum for Geography
  • Science 2 - Physical Sciences - An introduction to scientific concepts; materials; forces and energy; space; mapping to the National Curriculum for Science.
  • Other Subjects - Using computers in the classroom; advantages & limitations; 'Going Out'; balance, co-ordination and co-operation; introducing other languages; mapping to the National Curriculum for Information and Communication Technology; mapping to the National Curriculum for Physical Education; mapping to the National Curriculum for Modern Foreign Languages.

How is the course taught?

All tutors will be both Montessori and state trained, mostly with Qualified Teacher Status from the DfES and also Fe or HE experience. The teaching will involve lectures, discussion, videos and the making of Montessori primary materials, which will be invaluable to the practising teacher in the classroom. Students should anticipate buying the essential texts, plus possibly more books for their own research, and also the cost of making the materials and of printing out the internet modules. Access to the internet is essential.

How is the course assessed?

It is anticipated that the majority of the students on this course will be working in Montessori nurseries or schools, or running their own schools. Therefore assessment will be less essay-based than the Nursery course, and will involve several assignments of making classroom materials that are difficult to obtain commercially. However, there will be a practical examination and a written theory paper. Exemption from the theory paper may be gained by 90% attendance at the lectures and satisfactory completion of all assignments from the internet modules.

When is the Diploma Awarded?

The Diploma is awarded on satisfactory attendance (minimum 90%) and completion of all the course assessments, to at least a satisfactory standard:

  • Written coursework, set throughout the course
  • Production of reference files on the practical materials
  • Detailed observations of children
  • Making of language and cultural teaching materials
  • Three hour written examinations (if not exempted)
  • An individual practical examination
  • Satisfactory completion of 400 hours practice teaching
  • Visits to oversee the teaching practice
  • Additional coursework, based on the practical experience

Is the Course Accredited?

The course was formerly listed on the CWDC website (the only Montessori Primary course ever listed) but now the site only covers the foundation stage (0-5 years).

A part of the course has also been approved by Greenwich University (at level 6) as a component of the BA (Hons) course.